H-D "clones" ?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,982
Likes: 5,220
From: Michigan
H-D "clones" ?
This is NOT about the low-production bikes like Big Dog.
In the early '90's (when H-D's were in high demand) I was at a bike shop in Wisconsin and I was amazed to see so many new bikes (Dynas I believe) that they had siting in their showroom.
I was talking to one of their salespersons when I mentioned this he says "these aren't Harleys".
Those bikes were "built" using all H-D parts and were nearly visually identical to a H-D with the exception of the frame.
The ONLY distinctions that I could find (visibly) between a H-D and one of those bikes was "their" bikes DID NOT have a keyed fork lock and the VIN number DID NOT start with the alpha (H-D) numeric designation.
I have no idea of how many of these bikes may have been built but they were interesting.
In the early '90's (when H-D's were in high demand) I was at a bike shop in Wisconsin and I was amazed to see so many new bikes (Dynas I believe) that they had siting in their showroom.
I was talking to one of their salespersons when I mentioned this he says "these aren't Harleys".
Those bikes were "built" using all H-D parts and were nearly visually identical to a H-D with the exception of the frame.
The ONLY distinctions that I could find (visibly) between a H-D and one of those bikes was "their" bikes DID NOT have a keyed fork lock and the VIN number DID NOT start with the alpha (H-D) numeric designation.
I have no idea of how many of these bikes may have been built but they were interesting.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,328
Likes: 2,205
The manufactured frames that are out there will come with an MSO that is one transaction at the dmv away from getting a title.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,736
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From: Driftless Area
That's the thing...my buddy built everything, including the frame.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 5,372
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From: Aurora, CO
I did that once and had to get it titled through the state. They called it a homebuilt, instead of a Harley, even though most parts were Harley (including the frame).
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,464
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From: backwoods
I knew a guy building and selling them in WI for customers. I can't remember why he did but he titled them first, but you could only have so many in your name. So his wife, elderly mother, ect were building bikes.
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Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 650
From: San Ramon, Ca
Mid 90's there was a few shops selling these clones. Santee frames. Some had S&S motors.
The quality just wasn't there. Most of the parts came from the Custom Chrome catalog.
One company in Gilroy, Ca wound up with the Indian name.
That was short lived. Those were really crappy bikes.
The quality just wasn't there. Most of the parts came from the Custom Chrome catalog.
One company in Gilroy, Ca wound up with the Indian name.
That was short lived. Those were really crappy bikes.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,535
Likes: 34,723
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
Mid 90's there was a few shops selling these clones. Santee frames. Some had S&S motors.
The quality just wasn't there. Most of the parts came from the Custom Chrome catalog.
One company in Gilroy, Ca wound up with the Indian name.
That was short lived. Those were really crappy bikes.
The quality just wasn't there. Most of the parts came from the Custom Chrome catalog.
One company in Gilroy, Ca wound up with the Indian name.
That was short lived. Those were really crappy bikes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 9,570
Likes: 7,943
From: Long Island, New York
In NYC in the 90's what you are describing is a stolen motorcycle! Guys would buy new bikes with a loan that mysteriously got stolen in the first three months. Then a set of aftermarket cases and a frame with a MSO, off to DMV they went with their "Custom " motorcycle that had 90% brand new HD parts. A lot of those shenanigans went on back then, I would steer very clear of such a motorcycle.
